Thomas Koonce

After 30 years behind bars, Thomas Koonce, 54, was granted parole on Tuesday, following the commutation of his life sentence for a 1987 New Bedford murder earlier this year.

Convicted murderer Thomas Koonce said Wednesday during a hearing on his possible commutation that he takes "full responsibility" for shooting and killing a New Bedford man in 1987.

Two Brockton men who were convicted of murder decades ago, are getting their sentences commuted, as announced Wednesday by the Baker-Polito Administration.